» The Florida Institute of Technology received $1.35 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration to set up a Women’s Business Center. It will focus on regional training, counseling, mentoring and technical assistance for women-owned businesses in Brevard, Indian River and St. Lucie counties.

» The SBA’s Gulf Opportunity Pilot Loan Program has been extended through September for small businesses in northwest Florida counties that were included in the presidential disaster declaration for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “GO Loans” are available for up to $150,000 with an 85% SBA guarantee. The program waives regulations requiring the pledging of personal assets.

» In October, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum sued Registered Agent Division, alleging that the Largo company was engaged in deceptive and misleading advertising regarding registered agents. The company offered to be a registered agent for a business for $149. It implied that an outside registered agent is required to do business. Florida does not require an outside registered agent.